Speciation of Ruthenium in Organic TBP/TPH Organic Phases: A Study about Acidity of Nitric Solutions

Abstract

Ruthenium extraction with uranium and plutonium during the reprocessing of nuclear used fuel is an important element to follow because its presence leads to a decrease of the decontamination factors and causes enhanced radiolysis of the solvent. A study was carried out on the speciation of ruthenium in both aqueous and organic phases by complementary spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. By providing a better understanding of the ruthenium extraction mechanism, this study will help to support the modeling of related processes.